Hello out there! I’m super excited to have a free moment and finally make a new blog post! It’s been awhile – I hope all of you had a terrific holiday, New Years and a great start to 2015 thus far. Like most people, one of my goals in the new year is to be healthier. So far, I’ve been trying to make better food choices, cut back on sugar and alcohol, and be more active.

One struggle I’ve had in the past is trying to fit a workout into a busy schedule. I’m sure many of you can relate with that! I started seeing a lot of articles with research showing it’s not necessarily the length of time, but the intensity of a workout that’s beneficial. That’s when I started to hunt for high intensity, 10-minute workouts. While I try to exercise a little longer than that (when I have the time), if I can at least get in a 10-minute workout, I feel much better at the end of the day.

I’ve been waiting to make this post until I felt like I found the perfect videos to share with you all. I’m so happy the day is finally here! So, without further ado…

This butt workout is killer! My legs burn and shake throughout, and I’m still working on being able to do the whole routine without pausing!

I like how many different parts of the butt and thigh area are targeted. I especially love the moves that focus on the hip flexors! For just 10-minutes out of my day, I really feel like my butt and inner thighs are getting an awesome workout!

This video is great for adding some strength training into your routine. I have to put my weights down from time-to-time, but it’s fun to know I have something to work up to! I love the barre3 techniques used in this workout. There’s a focus on keeping your spine upright, and evening out your lower body by working your glutes more than your quads.

I have yet to find a 10-minute, high intensity ab workout that doesn’t hurt my back. If anyone has a favorite ab workout, please share in the comments section below!

Although this video is only 5 minutes, you can definitely tell how each move is working to define your abs. I really love how this routine is standing and crunchless, and it’s short enough to add at the end of any workout. Once you get the hang of all the moves, you could also do more reps to make the workout last longer!

You’ll notice that all of these videos are from Popsugar Fitness. Out of all the videos I’ve tried, I always go back to Popsugar. I’ve found that their instructors are the most personable and very encouraging. They’re also really great about explaining proper form, and what areas each move is targeting. And while each video has a specific target area, they all work out your entire body, so you really feel like you’re getting a great workout in only 10 minutes!

These 10-minute workouts have helped me sneak exercise into my busy schedule, and I hope they will help you as well! They are great on their own, but also fun to combine when you have the extra time. I hope you all continue to have a wonderful year and achieve your goals, whatever they may be!

HI!

My name’s Michele, and lil bit is a blog about, well, a ‘lil bit’ of everything! I love food and to travel, I recently moved to Portland and am exploring the city, I am a self-proclaimed “uncrafty crafter” trying to become a better DIY-er, but most of all -- I am a 20-something girl trying to find the right path, my path, in this crazy but amazing world.